Table of Contents
Time It Right. Make sure you wait for the right time of year to plant new grass seed. Choose the Correct Grass Seed. Choose a grass that is right for your lifestyle, budget, and location. Test Your Soil (Optional) Prepare Your Soil. Even Out the Surface. Seed and Feed on the Same Day. Cover Up. Keep on Watering.
How do you prepare the ground for laying grass?
Site Preparation Step 1 – Remove all existing lawn. Remove your existing lawn, weeds, rock and debris. Step 2 – Prepare the soil. Once all lawn and weeds have been removed rotary hoe your soil to a depth of 100mm. Step 3 – Level your soil. Using a rake or a straight piece of timber level your soil for the final time.
What should you put down before laying turf?
Lightly firm down the turves with the head of a rake or piece of wood to ensure good contact between the underside of the turf and the soil. Any remaining cracks can be filled with a light soil (Turf & Lawn Seeding Topsoil is ideal) and tamped down.
What is the best way to start new grass?
Instructions Clear the Area. Remove any old grass plants and weeds from the area. Test the Soil. Take a sample of the soil and have it tested for soil pH. Prepare the Soil. Break up the compacted soil with a rented tiller or rototiller. Apply the Seed. Water the New Lawn. Maintain the New Grass.
Can you lay new grass on top of old grass?
Laying new turf over old lawn is possible, but results will not be satisfactory in the long run. New grass will grow over old turf, however, your lawn’s condition will deteriorate over time as the old grass dies. For best results, you should always remove any old vegetation before laying new turf.
Do I need topsoil before laying turf?
If your soil is poor quality and has been neglected over the years, give your turf the best start at adapting to it’s new environment by adding a layer of topsoil. Turf ideally needs around four inches of top soil to root in. Turf isn’t the fussiest of plants when it comes to soil.
Do I need to roll my new lawn?
You should not roll your lawn. The reality is, in a domestic lawn, rolling may help to level the lawn but will damage the soil by compacting the surface. This will compress the soil, drive out the air pockets and create a difficult environment for the grass roots.
Can you lay turf in May?
In May, it’s not uncommon for the soil to be damp but not soggy, well drained but not dry. And that’s exactly what you want when laying turf. Turf can be laid at any time of year. However, provided the ground is not frozen and the turf can be kept well-watered until it established.
Should I put sand down before laying turf?
With heavy clay soils, you should add sharp sand, well decomposed manure, garden compost or rotted leaves. This will improve drainage under the lawn. With sandy soils, you should add well decomposed manure or rotted leaves. This will improve moisture retention under the lawn.
What month should you lay turf?
Turf is best laid in mid-autumn, but can be laid any time between mid-autumn and late winter whenever the soil is not too wet or frosty. In spring and autumn little mowing is needed so newly-laid turf can be left relatively undisturbed for several weeks.
Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?
The simple answer is, yes. Beyond just throwing the seed out into the lawn and not performing any grass maintenance there is a whole world of lawn care. Basically the grass will not grow if no grass maintenance has been completing prior to planting and it is just thrown on the ground.
How long do I water new grass seed?
Water new grass seed for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after planting to gently moisten the first several inches of soil.
When should I stop watering new grass seed?
Once the grass seeds germinate, you should water for a longer period once a day. The frequency of watering should slowly reduce to a long soak of about 40 minutes on alternate days then cut down to 2-3 days a week.
How do I completely redo my lawn?
Complete DIY projects like a pro! Planting New Grass: Remove the dead stuff. Planting New Grass: Smooth the soil. Planting New Grass: Add a starter fertilizer. Planting New Grass: Pick seed to match your site. Planting New Grass: Spread the seed. Planting New Grass: Water, but not too much.
Should I add topsoil to my lawn?
Topdressing the lawn with topsoil, however, is a good way to smooth bumpy areas and level low spots that collect water. In most cases, a lawn can withstand the addition of a soil layer that is only 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. After you are done spreading topsoil, at least 75 percent of the grass blades should be visible.
How do you level a lawn?
Levelling Shallow Areas Put a thin layer over the problem area and spread it across evenly. Push the soil down to compact it with your feet or a flat side of a rake. Water the soil a little and leave it to settle. After a few days you can then add grass seed and another light layer of topsoil.
